Nicosia, Cyprus. President Nikos Christodoulides on Saturday highlighted the importance of cancer prevention, treatment and support services as the annual Christodoula March began in Nicosia. The march, which supports cancer patients and their families, drew large public participation.
Focus on prevention and healthcare policy
Addressing attendees, Christodoulides said the event continues to serve as a point of unity and awareness more than five decades after it started, adding that its purpose remains centred on supporting those affected by cancer. He said improving cancer care should remain a shared objective, referring to recent legislative and policy developments aimed at strengthening healthcare services.
Christodoulides placed particular emphasis on prevention, describing it as a central priority in public health policy. He said screening programmes have been expanded through the health ministry.
National cancer institute plans
Christodoulides also pointed to the establishment of a national cancer institute, describing it as a coordinating body intended to bring together centres involved in cancer treatment and research.
Support services for patients
The anti-cancer society supported approximately 4,500 patients over the past year, delivering more than 80,000 services, including home nursing care, psychological support and patient transport to treatment centres.
Origins of the march
The march commemorates Christodoula, a cancer patient who fled Famagusta during the Turkish Invasion of 1974 and walked to Sotira, where she later died.
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